World Tourism Day, celebrated on 27 September, is an annual observance that is meant to raise awareness for the positive social, political, cultural and economic effects of global tourism. Each year, a theme is selected for World Tourism Day, and this year it honours “Tourism and Green Investments”. To celebrate, open up your travel wish list and pick a destination to explore! Because the best way to celebrate tourism is to support it.
This year, you’re in luck! Expat Explore has compiled a list of the top European travel destinations that are quite literally green with nature. Explore some of Europe’s greenest cities this World Tourism Day. Read on and discover the awe-inspiring greenery that these destinations boast.
Explore our top picks for the greenest European cities:
Vilnius, Lithuania
As one of Northern Europe’s largest cities to survive the Middle Ages, Vilnius is undoubtedly rich in culture and history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a picturesque place with architectural influences from Gothic and Classical to Baroque and Renaissance, making it a must-visit for travellers on the lookout for spectacular historic architecture.
But beyond the beautiful buildings and rich human history, the city is saturated with greenery in the form of parks and forests. This natural splendour has made its way into the culture of Lithuania, with many locals having an obsession with nature. As you explore this European treasure, you’ll encounter many restaurants and shops with dried flowers as displays when colder months roll around. And when the sun is out, you’ll find locals and visitors alike spending as much time outdoors as possible!
Related: Want to visit? Check out the best things to do in Vilnius!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands is undeniably one of the world’s most colourful destinations, and green is one colour you’ll find everywhere! Not only will you encounter plenty of lush foliage in Amsterdam, making it a favourite travel destination, but you’ll also discover the positive effects of the city’s efforts to become a truly green and sustainable city.
At a glance, the peloton of cyclists, strings of street canals and lush forestation already paint a green picture. But upon closer inspection, you’ll learn that the city functions green as well. Once you step off any mode of transport, you enter the zero-waste zone where CO2 emissions are reduced, plastic usage is discouraged, and thrifting is promoted. Welcome to Green Amsterdam!
Related: Get ready for your trip to the Netherlands with these essential Dutch travel phrases!
Malmö, Sweden
Sweden is known both for being green and for its greenery, and Malmö is no different. While the city has popular tourist attractions like cobblestoned squares, cafes, and even a 16-century castle (Malmö Castle, featuring nature, art and history), its green status should be reason enough to visit this World Tourism Day!
Apart from introducing over 400 km of interlinked bike routes, they also plan to ensure that the whole city runs on renewable energy by 2030. Greenhouse gas emissions are also being reduced by using energy more efficiently, lowering consumption, and promoting renewable energy investments. This is truly a green and lush city that you won’t want to miss out on!
Related: Still not convinced? Discover more reasons to visit Sweden!
Munich, Germany
If you thought Munich doesn’t get any better than Oktoberfest, think again! Yes, the well-known city in Germany has its popular attractions such as seasonal festivals, rich heritage, and impressive parks like the English Garden, the Nymphenburg Palace Park and the Olympiapark, but what lands it on this list is the consistent progress towards sustainability.
One of the city’s first sustainable practices was implementing a ban on older vehicles that do not meet today’s environmental standards. Without a green badge on their vehicle, visitors must bypass this beautiful green city altogether. Even more advancements are underway to cut CO2 emissions in half by 2030, so it seems this city is well on its way to shining bright green!
Dublin, Ireland
If we ask you to picture Ireland, you’d probably conjure up images of rolling green hills and lush green countryside. And you’d be correct because Dublin is one of Europe’s greenest cities! With unmissable tourist attractions featuring greenery such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Malahide Castle and Gardens, you’re sure to get a glimpse of that green image you imagined when you visit Dublin.
However, Dublin takes its love of green one step further. It has also been ranked as one of the greenest cities on the planet thanks to Phoenix Park bringing acres of greenery to the city centre. And to top it all off, it’s also considered one of the top 5 global cities going green expeditiously!
Related: Get even more inspired to visit with this UK & Ireland travel story!
Vienna, Austria
Austria closes off our list of green destinations, but it’s certainly not in last place! Vienna, the capital city, is known for top attractions like The Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, and concerts at the Wien Mozart House. But what’s more, the city was also rated the greenest place on earth! With over 50% of the city area being taken up by green spaces like parks and gardens, it’s not only the greenest city in Europe but also anywhere else in the world.
Between the Vienna Woods and Danube wetlands, Vienna is surrounded by green. But the city is also impressively green with sustainability. With over 70% of the Viennese workforce commuting by public transport, 95,000 trees in city streets, and over 800 farms within the city limits, Vienna truly offers an unmatched standard of living. That’s reason enough to visit if you ask us!
Related: Planning a trip? Here’s how to get the best out of 24 hours in Vienna!
With so many literally and figuratively green cities in Europe, you’re ready to travel sustainably! Book a trip with Expat Explore, and get ready to go green while going places.